Jamahl Mosley spent the last five seasons as head coach of the Orlando Magic. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
The New Orleans Pelicans hired Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach, executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars announced Monday.
Mosley, who spent the last five seasons as coach of the Orlando Magic, was dismissed May 4. He led the Magic to a 189-221 record, including a 45-37 mark this season. The Magic went 7-12 in the postseason under Mosley.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jamahl and his family to New Orleans,” Pelicans owner Gayle Benson said. “Joe Dumars led a thorough and comprehensive search to find the right leader for our team.
“He also identified the internal changes needed for organizational growth as we continue building a winning culture that our fans deserve. Jamahl is a proven winner and brings the type of leadership, accountability, and vision necessary to move our franchise forward.”
The Pelicans, who were 26-56 this season, fired former coach Willie Green in November after a 2-10 start. Assistant James Borrego served as interim coach for the remainder of the campaign.
“Jamahl has earned tremendous respect across the NBA for his leadership, professionalism, and the strong relationships he develops with players and staff,” Dumars said. “He has consistently demonstrated an ability to develop young talent while establishing teams that compete with toughness, discipline, and togetherness.
“His teams reflect his coaching style through their defensive intensity, effort, preparation, and commitment to playing the right way. Those qualities reinforce the long-term stability of a winning culture.”
The Pelicans advanced to the playoffs twice over the last eight seasons. They made it past the first round once since 2007-08.
